2. analog
  3. 167187-88202

Vinyl...should I stay, or should I go?

I've sort of hit a crossroads and have decided to part with my turntable, all accessories which go with the turntable, and my record collection. However, before parting ways with my analog gear I wanted to gather some feedback and make sure I've given vinyl a fair shake.

My setup is a VPI HW-19: a Zorin tonearm and a Dynavector 17dx cartridge, with a Manly Chinook phono-stage, It plays through Primaluna dialogue Pre amp and amps. The speakers are Goldenear Reference. 

Confession, despite this setup, I've mostly streamed Roon music through an ultraRendu into a ModWright oppo 205. It's just recently I decided to give listening to vinyl a try. I'm pretty much a novice to the finer points and nuances of getting the best out of vinyl.

Experience: I'm finding the streaming music seems to be more centered with a deeper and more textured soundstage. When I stream, no matter what era the music is from, the singer/music is front, center, deep and wide. On the other hand, the last couple of records I've tried. A very old and somewhat used Alan Parsons Project lp and Jim Croce, Don't Mess around with Jim 180 gram lp, have not presented the same quality soundstage. In fact, in both cases while much of the music is centered, the singer's voice is coming mostly from the left side (speaker). Also, I'm finding the bass to be lacking. Last night in a side by side comparison, I was taken aback by how much better sounding was the streaming music.

Question: Is this typical of vinyl or is there something in my setup (again I'm a novice) I'm overlooking? With all this said, any advice on what to check or look for would be much appreciated. I'm not trying to start a debate about the merits of vinyl vs. streaming. I'm really just trying to find out if what I'm experiencing is typical of the vinyl experience or if there's something I should be correcting before pulling the plug and selling off the analog gear. Thanks
liv2teach
axpert's avatar
axpert
124 posts
 
One given, pertaining to vinyl; - - -  getting the most, or should I say best out of vinyl, is not an easy task. That's why many people give it up before they actually reach nirvana ! With vinyl, essentially all elements in the reproduction path need to be perfect, as conditions and budget will allow.. Something that can't be achieved by merely buying one piece of equipment and be done with it. 

You really need to talk vinyl to an expert if you can find one, so that he can walk you through the process to achieve the type of reproduction that vinyl is capable of. Every aspect is important, and especially the records themselves. I'm not saying that you should go this direction, but I do suggest that you look up and read everything you can about the KIRMUSS system of "record restoration". Then you will at least have a good understanding of the importance of achieving pristine restored records. Then and only then will you truly appreciate the vinyl medium and how close it "can come" to master tape. And of course, with the right playback setup. Again, if you are not highly skilled in working with all the elements in producing a perfect, or at least "near perfect" turntable and cartridge setup, I suggest you seek out an expert, that doesn't have an agenda. It will be worth the investment. Choice of tables, arms and especially pickups can make or break the final result. There is so much to choose from on todays audio market that it can be quite disarming. Talk to a lot of people before you make the next move. At some point you should start to detect a "common thread" that will hopefully send you down the right path of selecting components.  GOOD LUCK, and don't be too quick to give up on vinyl. Unless all you want is the "easy way out"
Patience is a virtue!
audioguy85's avatar
audioguy85
2,018 posts
 
Not familiar with any vpi TT, nor that cartridge, however it may be a mismatch...take the weight of cartridge w/ hardware and the mass of your arm and plug the figures into vinyl engine resonance calculator for a start. Like others have mentioned, check your alignment, tracking force, vta, anti skating, TT level, its proximity to speakers, what it is sitting on, the cleanliness of your stylus, etc....lastly, NO two lp’s sound the same! Try another copy of troublesome lp’s. One expensive option, but often worth it, is to purchase an lp from better records. He has done all the hard work for you in finding the best sounding copy. I’ve bought countless records from BR and they sound great. Also, some lp’s were recorded and engineered to have the vocals in mainly one channel, they are not all front and center, it will vary from lp to lp. To me, even with my so called modest TT (music hall mmf-7.3/ 2m bronze), my lp’s sound terrific. Of course, there are a few that don’t, like anything else. You might also want to revisit your phono stage....I think you can do better there. The phono preamp Is a very important piece to get you better sound. The only way I’d get rid of my analog lp gear and records is when I’m dead! To me, collecting and playing lp’s is the most exciting and fascinating part of this hobby or endeavor. Heck, I have some cassettes that sound better than anything digital! 
knotscott's avatar
knotscott
984 posts
 
I’ll invest some time and effort into seeing this through...

Thanks guys for the help and advice... Skip

Glad to hear you’re not giving up yet.....there’s good reason so many people are such staunch vinyl die-hards....there’s a lot more to it the just the cost and inconvenience! LOL. With the fine equipment you’ve got, and a substantial record collection, I think you’ll be well rewarded for getting your setup dialed in. It’s a great skill to learn, but there’s no shame in taking your rig to a good shop and paying for the service. Good luck!
bluorion
479 posts
 
I understand how you feel. I've often thought about the same thing over the years but I eventually kept all of my vinyl. I have 45s, LPs and hundreds of 12" singles--I'm too emotionally attached to my vinyl. They hold too many fond memories for me. With that being said, I do find myself streaming way more than playing my vinyl, mostly out of convenience. Think hard about getting rid of it----you don't want to regret it later.
sgreg1
612 posts
 
Unless you need the money or the space why sell. You might find yourself down the road regretting a total get out. I never get into the debate of any source being better than another. Everyones ear hear different. I enjoy music from any source any time. Yes some i like way more than others but I never want to close any of those doors. For me getting an album out, cleaning it, sitting down and looking at the art work, and remembering the adventure to the store to buy it takes me back to a great carefree time in my life that I could never part with. I guess I am saying sometime it is not about the best or better sound but the experience that music can deliver that nothing else can.Think twice before you make a decision that is irreversible. 
More to discover